Hello. I have read IRA distribution rules over and over and understand the many examples clearly, but none applies to MY situation.

I have had a Roth IRA since 1999, when I converted to it. Since then I have made the maximum after tax contributions allowable (into an aggressive stock fund), and my balance is now around $90K. I am considering withdrawing all of my contributions because I fear being wiped out by the economy, and I cannot sit back and watch that happen. I cannot move the money to a “safe” harbor because all the safe funds (such as money market) at Vanguard are closed to new investors. What would the penalty be if I pull my contributions, if there is one? Must I wait five years from the year of each contribution to withdraw penalty free (in other words, can I withdraw only my contributions through 2004) or am I free from withdrawal restrictions on my entire after tax contributions? Please clarify.

I am planning on working for a couple of years before going to school for a regular MBA. Can I contribute to my 401k plan now and withdraw it without penalty to fund my college tuition? Or is it better to take the tax hit now, rather than take the penalty later ?

I have $10,000 in a traditional IRA and I want to buy my first house this summer. The $10,000 would help me with pulling together enough money for a down payment. I would like to use it for this, but I don’t want to have to pay a penalty for an early withdrawal. I am 32 years old. Any advice?

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